Exploring TCEC Serangan: An Educational and Conservation Turtle Tourism Destination in Bali

TCEC Serangan is the ideal location for those who love environmental tourism. This site serves as an education center, tourist attraction, conservation area, and a turtle research facility. Located on Serangan Island, it’s about a 30-minute drive south of Denpasar. Spanning 2.4 hectares, the turtle sanctuary allows visitors to explore and learn about turtle conservation. The staff is ready to explain the intricacies of turtles and the origins of the turtles housed here.

TCEC was officially opened on January 20, 2006, by the Governor of Bali, Mr. Dewa Berata. Initially, the purpose was not educational, but rather a strategy to combat turtle trade. The sanctuary aims to provide local Serangan residents with alternative livelihoods aside from turtle trading. Today, it serves not just as a rescue center but also as a crucial habitat for turtles saved from the wild due to illness.

This conservation center also plays a vital role in protecting turtle eggs along busy beaches, purchasing them from local communities. The turtle eggs are hatched at the facility, and the hatchlings are cared for for about a month before being released back into the wild. The efforts to save turtles are critical due to the threats they face from human activities, including hunting, egg consumption, ocean pollution, habitat destruction, and dramatic population declines.

TCEC's existence is incredibly important for conservation efforts. It would be a shame to visit Denpasar without stopping by this easily accessible destination, reachable by various means of transportation from the airport or other areas in Bali.


Exciting Exploration of Serangan Seafood Culinary Village: A New Taste Adventure in Denpasar

Bored with the Same Seafood Menu in Kedonganan or Jimbaran During Your Bali Trip? You Should Definitely Try This New Culinary Destination in Denpasar: the Seafood Culinary Village in Serangan. 

As the name suggests, this culinary spot is located on Serangan Island. It’s only about a 10-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. If you’re heading to Sanur or Gianyar, you’ll definitely pass by this village, making it a shame to miss out. 

Finding the location is easy; once you enter Serangan Island, you’ll be guided by signs. It’s situated right at the Serangan village square. There are plenty of seafood dishes to choose from at this new destination.

With 14 buildings and a total of 28 food stalls, there’s a wide variety of menus available. Most of the culinary offerings are seafood-based, including grilled shellfish, shrimp, grilled fish, and Balinese spiced squid, all prepared by local residents who have inherited these recipes through generations. The culinary stalls are open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

This Culinary Village offers more than just food. The Denpasar city government aims to make it a one-stop solution for tourists. Thus, a jogging track runs alongside it, providing a space not just for dining but also for relaxing with family. Don’t miss out on this exciting new destination!

 

Wisata Edukasi Subak TeBA Majalangu

Buat keluarga yang ingin memperkenalkan anak-anaknya dengan pembelajaran tentang alam khususnya pertanian. Inilah destinasi paling tepat dituju. Namanya Wisata Edukasi TeBA Majelangu. Destinasi ini milik Desa Kesiman Kertalangu yang terletak di kawasan jogging track Desa Budaya Kertalangu. Konsep tempat wisata ini adalah memberikan pelajaran bagi anak-anak tentang pertanian. Mereka bisa mengidentifikasi alat-alat pertanian, metodenya sampai praktek di lapangan. Semuanya bisa dilakukan di sini.

Don’t worry about the number of activities available, as the area spans 1.4 hectares. Both children and parents can enjoy a variety of experiences. There is a Subak Museum dedicated to showcasing traditional farming tools used in agricultural activities. This museum provides essential information, including the names of the tools and their functions, which is vital for the learning process.

Selain itu ada Rumah bibit tempat pameran untuk menampilkan contoh bibit organik yang sudah dibuat oleh kelompok tani setempat. Pengunjung bisa melihat bagaimana bentuk bibit / tanaman apa saja yang ada di kawasan TeBA Majalangu dan diberikan edukasi secara umum berkaitan dengan fungsi dari masing-masing tanaman.

After exploring the museum and seed house, there’s also an opportunity to feed animals. Here, visitors can interact with several livestock, which is particularly enjoyable for children. During this educational experience, they will learn about the types of animals typically used in traditional Balinese ceremonies.

Kegiatan terakhir yang bisa dinikmati adalah permainan atau game outbond merupakan salah satu kegiatan yang paling disukai anak-anak yang bertujuan untuk melatih dan mengembangkan kepercayaan diri, keberanian dan daya kreatifitas anak-anak. Jadi tunggu apalagi, TeBA Majelangu sangat cocok buat keluarga yang rindu dengan aktivitas alam dan sangat mudah dijangkau dari Kota Denpasar.

Enjoying Arts and Culture at the Bali Cultural Park: The Largest Performance Center in Denpasar

Taman Budaya Bali, also known as Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre Denpasar, is one of the oldest art performance centers in Bali, located on Jalan Nusa Indah, Denpasar City.

This cultural park consists of four complexes: the sacred complex, which includes Pura Taman Beji, Bale Selonding, and Bale Pepaosan; the tranquil complex, which houses the Perpustakaan Widya Kusuma; the semi-crowded complex, featuring Gedung Pameran Mahudara, Gedung Kriya, sculpture studios, an art guesthouse, and wantilan; and the bustling complex, which includes the Ardha Candra stage and Ksirarnawa.

Ardha Candra is an open stage often used for colossal performances, music shows, and other art displays. This iconic stage can accommodate up to six thousand spectators. Ksirarnawa, on the other hand, is a closed stage that can also host colossal performances, serving a similar purpose as Ardha Candra, but in an enclosed format. The Bali Provincial Government, particularly the Governor of Bali, frequently holds major events here.

In addition to Ardha Candra and Ksirarnawa, there are also Kalangan Ratna Kanda and Kalangan Ayodya, which are open-air stages typically used for performances such as dance, arja, and joged.

Covering an area of 14 hectares, the complex is designed with Balinese architecture and adorned with beautiful and captivating reliefs. Inside the exhibition building, visitors can view various paintings and sculptures created by Balinese artists. The idea for this facility was initiated by Governor Ida Bagus Mantra, who had a profound love for Balinese culture. He also donated five hectares of land to build the complex, which opened in 1973.

Today, Taman Budaya Art Center is the only venue in Denpasar that offers a complete array of Balinese cultural performances.

The venue is open daily from morning to evening. The best time to visit is during the Bali Arts Festival (Pekan Kesenian Bali, PKB), held annually from June to July. During this event, representatives from nine regencies in Bali showcase their unique regional arts, including dance, music, carving, painting, puppetry, and traditional food.

Kumbasari Art Market: An Affordable Hub for Balinese Art and Souvenirs

Art enthusiasts must know about Kumbasari Art Market. Long before the famous souvenir centers emerged, this market was a must-visit destination for tourists seeking artistic souvenirs for their family and friends. To this day, Kumbasari Art Market remains vibrant and worth visiting.

It is located on the west side of the Badung Traditional Market, precisely in the Gajah Mada Heritage Area. The market is separated from Badung Market by the "Korea" River, Tukad Badung. Having undergone three phases of revitalization, this market is referred to as the only art market in Denpasar. Kumbasari Market was established in 1977, experienced a fire in 2000, and was renovated, reopening in 2001.

The building is quite spacious, covering an area of 6,230 square meters. It consists of five floors, with four floors designated for art product vendors. The remaining floor is allocated for vendors selling basic necessities and religious ceremony supplies.

On the second floor of Kumbasari Art Market, various types of clothing are sold, including traditional Balinese attire such as udeng, kain, and destar. Bed covers, beach sarongs, and various woven crafts from Bali are also available. The third floor features an array of paintings, sculptures, and Balinese ornaments like carvings, shoes, sandals, and women's bags. On the fourth floor, you can find various handicrafts and souvenirs made from shells, paper, and some crafts from outside Bali.

Not many people realize how vital this market is, as it serves as a wholesale center supplying products to art vendors in Sanur, Kuta, Canggu, and Ubud. Most locals are unaware of this because the majority of vendors here source directly from artisans in remote areas.

The range of crafts sold at Kumbasari Art Market is diverse, including brasswork, ceramics, glass, rattan, and wooden crafts. An important piece of information that tourists often overlook is the pricing. Don’t be surprised when shopping here; prices are significantly lower compared to souvenir centers. Since the products are sold wholesale, they are naturally much cheaper.

For those who know about these affordable prices, it’s worth a visit. Additionally, prices are negotiable, as is common in traditional markets. The location is also very accessible.

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Pembangunan Kampung Kuliner Serangan

Desa Serangan di Denpasar, Bali, yang dikenal dengan keindahan alam dan warisan budayanya, kini sedang membangun proyek unggulan yaitu Pembangunan Kampung Kuliner Seafood Serangan, pemerintah berupaya menciptakan destinasi wisata kuliner baru yang terletak di Jl. Tukad Pekaseh No.2, Serangan, Denpasar Selatan. Proyek ini berfokus pada penyediaan fasilitas kuliner berbasis makanan laut yang khas dengan nuansa lokal.
Proyek ini berlokasi di lapangan I Wayan Bulit, Serangan, yang dibangun di lahan dengan mempunyai luas lapangan = 21,190 m2 dan luas lahan BTID = 2,420 m2. Didukung penuh oleh Dinas Pariwisata Kota Denpasar sebagai pemberi tugas. Dengan dibantu Dana Alokasi Khusus (DAK) Fisik 2024 yang disalurkan oleh Kementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif Republik Indonesia, pembangunan ini akan mengoptimalkan fasilitas fisik untuk mendukung keberlangsungan wisata kuliner di Serangan.
Proyek ini melibatkan beberapa pihak ahli, termasuk PT. TATA RENCANA HIJAU sebagai konsultan perencana dan CV. BINA BWANA WISESA sebagai konsultan pengawas, dilaksanakan oleh kontraktor pelaksana PT. MEGAH TAMA PERKASA dengan nilai kontrak sebesar Rp 5.204.246.761,00. Pembangunan ini direncanakan berlangsung selama 180 hari kalender dari 14 Juni hingga 10 Desember 2024, di mana setiap tahapannya diawasi dengan ketat untuk memastikan hasil yang optimal.

Pengembangan Kampung Kuliner Serangan merupakan bagian dari tiga program unggulan yang dirancang untuk meningkatkan potensi Desa Serangan secara menyeluruh. Program pertama adalah penyiapan Sumber Daya Manusia (SDM) dan kelembagaan desa, di mana pemerintah bekerja sama dengan berbagai pihak untuk memberikan pelatihan kepada masyarakat lokal agar mampu mengelola potensi wisata secara efektif, sekaligus memperkuat kelembagaan desa agar masyarakat terlibat aktif dalam pengelolaan kampung kuliner. Program kedua adalah memformulasikan branding, paket kegiatan, dan promosi desa wisata, yang berfokus pada pengembangan branding Desa Serangan sebagai destinasi kuliner yang khas, didukung oleh promosi intensif melalui media sosial dan kampanye pemasaran, serta kolaborasi dengan travel influencer. Selain itu, paket wisata kuliner yang dirancang akan memberikan pengalaman lengkap yang mencakup wisata kuliner, budaya, dan alam. Program ketiga adalah 55 rencana aksi yang mencakup berbagai aspek pengembangan desa, seperti peningkatan infrastruktur, pelatihan SDM, dan pengembangan produk wisata, yang semuanya bertujuan untuk memaksimalkan potensi wisata dan ekonomi Desa Serangan. Pembangunan Kampung Kuliner Seafood Serangan mencakup berbagai fasilitas penting, seperti pembangunan 14 bangunan dan 28 kios kuliner yang akan menjadi tempat bagi pedagang lokal untuk menawarkan hidangan seafood serta makanan khas Bali. Plaza Kuliner dirancang sebagai pusat kegiatan sosial dan rekreasi, di mana pengunjung dapat menikmati suasana santai sambil mencicipi berbagai hidangan. Selain itu, fasilitas toilet umum juga dibangun untuk memastikan kenyamanan pengunjung, dengan kebersihan dan standar fasilitas yang baik. Sebanyak 16 unit gazebo disediakan di sekitar area kuliner untuk tempat bersantai yang nyaman, didukung oleh area parkir yang memudahkan akses pengunjung. Infrastruktur pendukung seperti rumah STP dan resapan, serta tandon air bawah tanah (Ground Water Tank), berperan penting dalam menjaga pengelolaan air dan kebersihan lingkungan. Sebagai tambahan, 64 unit bangku taman tersebar di area plaza dan taman untuk menambah kenyamanan pengunjung selama menikmati suasana kuliner di Serangan.

Proyek Kampung Kuliner Seafood Serangan memanfaatkan dana DAK Fisik 2024 dengan total anggaran sebesar Rp 5.204.246.761,00 yang mencakup berbagai aspek penting dalam pembangunan infrastruktur kampung kuliner. Dana ini digunakan untuk penerapan Sistem Manajemen Keselamatan dan Kesehatan Kerja (SMKK) sebesar Rp 18.640.000,00, pekerjaan persiapan senilai Rp 436.623,97, serta pembangunan inti berupa 14 bangunan dan 28 kios kuliner dengan anggaran Rp 1.637.899.041,95, di mana kios-kios tersebut akan diisi oleh pedagang yang menawarkan kuliner khas Bali dan Serangan. Selain itu, pembangunan plaza kuliner sebesar Rp 1.767.823.405,96, toilet senilai Rp 443.690.627,97, serta 16 unit gazebo dengan anggaran Rp 399.699.204,80 disiapkan untuk kenyamanan pengunjung. Fasilitas pendukung lainnya termasuk area parkir A sebesar Rp 106.424.186,73, rumah STP dan resapan sebesar Rp 72.450.829,52, Ground Water Tank (tandon air bawah tanah) senilai Rp 63.236.431,05, serta 64 unit bangku taman dengan total Rp 178.210.244,42. 

Namun, proyek ini menghadapi keterbatasan anggaran sehingga pemerintah memanfaatkan dana CSR sebesar Rp 2.599.991.078,00 dari perusahaan swasta untuk menyelesaikan beberapa pekerjaan penting. Dana CSR tersebut digunakan untuk penerapan SMKK Rp 25.643.650,00, pekerjaan persiapan Rp 552.056,28, pembangunan pergola kayu Rp 468.000.000,00, softscape (penataan area hijau) Rp 11.900.000,00, meja taman Rp 54.000.000,00, meja gazebo Rp 6.400.000,00, service area Rp 238.000.000,00, peningkatan daya listrik Rp 139.521.228,00, pengadaan alat kios kuliner Rp 1.124.676.000,00, pembangunan bak sampah Rp 145.345.492,55, serta signage sebesar Rp 128.295.877,68 untuk membantu pengunjung menemukan area penting di kampung kuliner.

 

Showcasing Bali's Heritage: The Marvel of Barong Dance and Keris by Sekaa Barong and Keris Sari

This is one of the most commonly found cultural performances in Denpasar City—the Barong and Keris Dance. One of the prominent groups involved is Sekaa Barong and Keris Sari, a cultural tourism group in Bali, Indonesia, dedicated to preserving and showcasing traditional Balinese arts and culture. The group is committed to promoting the beauty and significance of Bali’s cultural heritage through their performances and activities.

Sekaa Barong and Keris Sari specializes in two important cultural elements: the Barong dance and the Keris dance. The Barong dance is a traditional Balinese dance that depicts the eternal battle between good and evil. It features a large mythical creature called Barong, representing good, and a demon-like creature called Rangda, representing evil. The dance is accompanied by vibrant music and colorful costumes, captivating the audience with its energetic movements and dramatic storyline.

The Keris dance, on the other hand, showcases the traditional Indonesian weapon known as the keris. The dance incorporates fluid and graceful movements, symbolizing the beauty and precision of the keris. It is often performed as a solo dance, accompanied by traditional gamelan music.

Sekaa Barong and Keris Sari actively participate in cultural tourism activities, including performances at various venues and events. They contribute to the promotion of Balinese arts and culture by showcasing their skills and talent to both local and international audiences. Their performances often attract tourists who are interested in experiencing the rich cultural traditions of Bali.

In addition to their performances, Sekaa Barong and Keris Sari also engage in educational activities. They offer workshops and training sessions to teach the younger generation about the traditional dances and the cultural significance behind them. By passing down their knowledge and skills, they ensure the continuity of Balinese cultural heritage for future generations.

Furthermore, Sekaa Barong and Keris Sari actively collaborate with other cultural groups and organizations to promote cultural exchange and cooperation. They participate in festivals, exhibitions, and cultural events both locally and internationally, representing the vibrant artistic traditions of Bali.

Through their dedication and commitment, Sekaa Barong and Keris Sari contribute to the preservation and promotion of Balinese cultural tourism. They play a significant role in showcasing the rich artistic heritage of Bali, attracting visitors from all around the world who are eager to witness the beauty and uniqueness of Balinese arts and culture.

Tracing Historical Footsteps at Puri Pemecutan: A Legacy of Bali's Struggle Against Colonizers

Although Denpasar is known as a modern city in Bali, traces of historical struggles remain for visitors to discover in the island’s capital. One such place is Puri Pemecutan Denpasar, a royal palace that serves as a reminder of the significant influence of ancient kingdoms on Bali’s development.

Located on Jalan Tamrin, Puri Pemecutan stands proudly on a 4.2-hectare estate. This area does not include the expansions made to the west, north, east, and south at Puri Tanjung Pemecutan, which serves as the residence of royal descendants. To the west of the palace, there is an armory with rifles and cannons. On the eastern side are Jero Ukiran and Jero Kanginan, which now form the new Puri Agung Pemecutan.

The palace has also been a symbol of Bali’s resistance against Dutch colonial forces. In 1906, during the Puputan war, the palace was set ablaze in a dramatic standoff against the Dutch. Today, the palace is in excellent condition, retaining its distinct Balinese ornaments that cover nearly every corner of the building.

The architecture of Puri Pemecutan is still reminiscent of its original form before the fire, featuring traditional elements. The front courtyard, known as Jaba Jeroning Cerangcang, greets visitors, while the Jaba Bale Gong, located in the western corner, serves as a storage space for ancient musical instruments like gamelan. There are also kitchens and rooms that once housed royal family members. The bale kulkul, a watchtower on the southern side of the palace, silently witnessed the Puputan war and remains intact, the only structure that survived the flames.

Visiting Puri Pemecutan feels like stepping back into a pivotal chapter of Bali’s history, reflecting on the island's resistance against Dutch occupation. If you're lucky, you might not only catch a glimpse of what the royal palace looked like in the past but also witness a film crew on-site, as the palace is occasionally used for national movie productions. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your visit to Puri Pemecutan and experience a piece of Balinese history firsthand.

Lumintang City Park: An Integrated Recreation Destination in the Heart of Denpasar

Here is the favorite city park for the people of Denpasar. It is located on Jalan Gatot Subroto Tengah. This city park offers complete facilities for families with various purposes in the capital of Bali. For those who aren’t familiar with this park, let’s take a look at the available facilities at Lapangan Kota Lumintang.

Taman Kota Lumintang is not just equipped with sports facilities; it has transformed into a beautiful city park that serves as a new choice for recreation and education for families. The park is divided into several themed areas, such as a traffic park, a senior park, a fitness park, a bird park, a digital park, and a children's playground. All of these areas provide recreational opportunities for relaxation in the city. The park is bisected by Jalan Gatot Subroto Tengah.

On the southern side of the road, there is a traffic park that has been inaugurated with traffic signs and facilities to educate children about road safety. One of the newest facilities in this southern area is an internationally recognized skatepark. Moving to the northern side of Lapangan Lumintang, there is a digital park that provides easy access to information technology through comfortable internet services, complete with seating and tables. This area is also equipped with CCTV and free Wi-Fi for information access.

There is also a Youth Park, which is often used as a coworking space, a mini food court, for youth entrepreneurship training, live music shows, dance, theater, and creative exhibitions (such as paintings, photographs, and architecture). The Youth Park features its own jogging track, allowing visitors to jog while enjoying the clean and well-maintained Tukad Tagtag river.

The main facility on the northern side is an open area featuring a jogging track. This facility is most frequently used by residents in the early morning, with peak usage in the late afternoon. There is also a senior park, which is often utilized by elderly residents for activities such as aerobics and light exercises like walking.

Additionally, there is a bird park where children can learn about the agility of pigeons while interacting directly by feeding them. For those exercising, various fitness facilities are available at no cost.

One indicator of a city’s livability is having a proper city park. Taman Kota Lumintang certainly meets this criterion.

Exploring History and Traditions at Pura Petilan Pengerobongan: From Majestic Penjor to Ngurek Dance

Have you ever been curious when seeing viral videos of large and beautiful penjor (decorative bamboo poles) displayed together? If you’re wondering where this location is, we inform you that it is in Kesiman, specifically at Pura Petilan Pengerobongan. This temple is located in Kesiman village, East Denpasar. The installation of these beautiful, large penjors is just one of the activities at this temple.

Pura Petilan, situated on the northern side of Jalan WR. Supratman, Denpasar, has historical significance and a unique tradition known as Ngerebong, celebrated every Redite Pon Medangsia. In addition to being famous for its large penjors, one of the interesting cultural aspects of this temple is the Tari Ngurek or Ngunying, which is a dance performed in a half-trance state using a kris (traditional dagger) at certain times.

Pura Petilan, also known as Pura Pangrebongan, is one of the temples in Denpasar closely related to the history of Puri Kesiman. The son of the Badung king, who later became the king of Kesiman with the title Cokorda Kesiman or Batara Inggas, established a new palace to the west of Puri Kedaton or Puri Kesiman Baru. To strengthen the support from the people of Kesiman, the worship sites in the area were also improved.

To the east of Pura Petilan, worship places for the Pasek community, Warga Gaduh, and Warga Dangka were built. Similarly, worship sites connected to Pura Petilan were restored by the king. These included Pura Kedaton, Pura Urasana, Pura Kesiman, and Pura Tojan. The ceremonies at Pura Petilan continued, with the king participating in worship alongside the people. The statue of the additional king was also brought and installed at Gedung Agung along with the statue of Dalem Kesiman.

At Pura Petilan Kesiman, there is a gedong agung (main shrine) located in the center, with a bedawang nala base to place the statues. Next to the gedong agung, there is another gedong to accommodate the manca pengerob temple and all the pecanangan or pratima from all the temples in the Kesiman area during the Pengerebongan ceremony at Pura Petilan.

Pura Petilan is very interesting as it unites the people, in this case, the residents of Kesiman with various communities or citizens from different professions. They are united by the strength of their religious beliefs, as the temple not only serves as a medium for worshiping God and the sacred spirits of ancestors but also reaches out to social and cultural aspects.